Standedge Tunnel Fire Forces Major Disruption on Huddersfield–Manchester Route

Rail services across the Pennines have been brought to a halt after an emergency incident forced the closure of the line between Marsden and Stalybridge. All tracks through the affected section are currently blocked, with significant disruption expected to continue until at least 16:00.

The incident has been confirmed as a fire inside Standedge Tunnel, prompting the attendance of emergency services and the suspension of all train movements through the tunnel in both directions. Rail staff are on site, but no trains are able to operate between Marsden and Stalybridge while the situation is dealt with.

As a result, services running between Huddersfield and Stalybridge are facing widespread cancellation, delay, diversion or revision. Where possible, operators are diverting trains via the Calder Valley route. However, services rerouted between Leeds and Manchester Victoria will not stop at Huddersfield or Stalybridge, limiting options for passengers travelling to those stations.

Alternative travel advice has been issued for customers heading to Huddersfield from Manchester. Passengers are being advised, where feasible, to use TransPennine Express services from Manchester Victoria to Dewsbury, before transferring to rail replacement buses to complete their journey.

Ticket acceptance has been put in place across several routes and train operators to help passengers navigate the disruption. However, travellers have been warned that these arrangements may change at short notice and that other operators are likely to experience heavy demand, with overcrowding expected on some services. Customers are being urged to check with their operator before setting out.

Image: John Darch